Shades of Shave Ice: Holo Holo for Halo Halo in Waipahu

Reposting a classic with all the soulful shave ice vibes of the O.G. Mahalo Halo at Magnolia Ice Cream and Treats.

June 7, 2024

Maria Burke, Thomas Obungen,

Editor’s Note: This week’s stifling, steamy summer heat has us thinking of nothing but shave ice—which brings to mind this classic video series from the summer of 2021. The last episode, here, takes us on a creamy, jelly-filled tangent: halo halo.

Shades of Shave Ice explores the rainbow of expressions of our favorite summertime treat. From its ethnic origins to farm-fresh flavors and must-have toppings, we’re spotlighting O‘ahu’s shave ice scene one or two shops at a time.

In our final episode of Shades of Shave Ice, we’re called back to our roots. Growing up in Hawai‘i, there’s a style of shave ice we remember most from small-kid-time. Whether it originates from your cultural background or just a neighborhood shop, there’s always one that brings us home every time we get to enjoy it.

For us, it’s halo halo! Maybe it wasn’t the most readily available shave ice, but the sweet, milky treat always put a special smile on our faces. Despite many Filipino restaurants serving up their versions of halo halo, Magnolia Ice Cream and Treats remains the halo halo destination in Waipahu. Pandan fans, coconut jelly addicts and ube aficionados can all agree that Magnolia serves up halo halo memories for days. Mahalo for following along on this sweet journey with us through Hawai‘i’s beautiful shades of shave ice!

Special thanks to Mahina Chong for the video assist!

$5 to $8.59, open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m.—9 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m.—8 p.m., 94-50 Farrington Highway, magnoliatreats.com, @magnoliaicecreamtreats, #thehalohaloplace